Title: Rama The King
Author: Dhan Gopal Mukherjee
Publisher: Talking Cub (an imprint of Speaking Tiger Books)
Type: Paperback
Length: 208 Pages
Genre: Mythology
Age recommendation : 10 years+
Here is a review by my 11-year-old daughter Ayesha.
“Thus, from the beginning when Valmiki composed it until this day, the song of Rama – The Ramayana- travels on the lips of minestras to the souls of all that live in India”
“Rama the King” by Dhan Gopal Mukherjee is a simple retelling of the legendary tale of Lord Rama, the ideal ruler and hero of Indian mythology. Weaving through his journey of valour and travels, as he slayed demons and spread his message of love and duty across, Dhan Gopal Mukherjee brings this ancient epic to life with deep reverence for the timeless themes of duty, devotion, and righteousness. The poetic bend given in between makes it interesting. To add more to it Mukherjee has made a simple yet elegant use of the Shakespearean language which breaks the monotony of regular story-telling.
What the Story is About?
The book follows Rama, a noble and kind prince of Ayodhya, who is loved by all. However, due to the twist of fate, he is sent into exile in the forest, where he faces innumerable adversities. Along with his wife, Sita, and his loyal brother, Lakshmana, Rama lives in the wilderness far away from his kingdom. Things take a turn for the worse when the evil king Ravana kidnaps Sita, and Rama must fight a great battle to rescue her. With the help of his devoted friend Hanuman and an army of warriors, Rama defeats Ravana and returns home to rule as a wise and just king.
What I Liked the Most?
One of the most beautiful parts of the book is the relationship between Rama and Hanuman. Hanuman, the mighty monkey warrior, is completely devoted to Rama. His loyalty, courage, and love for his lord make him one of the most inspiring characters in the story. The way Mukherjee describes Hanuman’s faith and service is heartwarming. He does not fight for power or riches—he fights only to help Rama, because he believes in him completely. This part of the book teaches an important lesson: true friendship and devotion are powerful and can help overcome any challenge.
Strengths:
• Rich Cultural Context: Mukherjee’s deep understanding of Indian culture and mythology shines through, providing readers with a vivid and immersive experience.
• Character Development: The characters are well-developed, with Rama portrayed as a symbol of virtue and Sita as a symbol of purity and devotion. The complexities of Ravana’s character add depth to the story.
• Engaging Prose: The author’s eloquent writing style makes the ancient tale accessible and engaging for modern readers.
Why Should You Read It?
Mukherjee’s writing is simple and elegant. He captures the beauty and meaning of the original story without making it too complicated. The book is perfect for readers who want to understand the Ramayana in a way that is easy to follow. It is full of wisdom and teaches important life lessons, such as standing up for what is right, being kind, and never giving up in difficult times.
Overall, “Rama the King” is a touching and powerful book that brings Rama’s story to life in a wonderful way. Whether you are familiar with the Ramayana or reading about Rama for the first time, this book is a great way to experience the epic in a simple and meaningful form.
Hanuman The Hero is the other book in this series.
Other books by the author can be found here.
If you enjoyed this review and wish to order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Ayesha is part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
